Nutritional status and constipation rate among female college students practicing weight control

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of diet on the nutritional status and constipation rate of female college students. A total of 251 female college students living in Gyeonggi province participated in this study. Dietary intake was ascertained from a 3-day dietary record, including 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day. Anthropometrics, general characteristics, diet experiences, dietary habits and prevalence of constipation were analyzed using a questionnaire. The subjects were divided into two groups, a control group (n=165, 46.2%) and a diet group (n=135, 53.8%). There was no significant difference in age, height, weight or BMI between groups. The prevalence of constipation was higher in the diet group than the control group. The intakes of energy, dietary fiber and water of the diet group were significantly lower than those of the control group. Correlation analysis revealed that the prevalence of constipation was negatively associated with exercise score, dietary fiber intake and water intake. It is postulated that dietary habits might be important factors contributing to constipation. Accordingly, nutrition education aimed to improve intakes of fiber and water may be necessary during weight control periods.